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Thursday, September 04, 2014

McCalls 6886

My daughter is starting a new job. It's been over a year since she's worked because having Miss Sammy was a little challenging. Now that Miss Sammy is seven months old, is happy and healthy, her mother has found a new salon to work at. Which means my daughter needs a few new easy outfits that will work for now as well as carry her into fall. Trying to sew with three children five and under is challenging to say the least...and since I had some time this weekend...we decided to stack and whack!

We started with McCalls 6886 because it's a simple knit dress with two pieces - one for the front and one for the back. She wanted the sleeveless version for its versatility. You know add a cardigan or shirt over it, or a turtleneck, or a button down with a belt and the dress is a hardworking garment.

First I tissue fit the pattern pieces to her. A process that she was unaware of...how is that possible when she took sewing classes in high school? Anyway, I made a few changes to the pattern.

For the back pattern piece I made a petite adjustment by folding out 2" inches.

I used a size 14 for the shoulders, neckline and bustline area and a 16 in the waist and hips.

After cutting out, I used a small zigzag stitch on my sewing machine to baste the dress together so she could try it on. After trying it on, it was a little loose. I made most of the changes to the back of the dress since she is smaller in the back than in the front. The alterations were made by having my daughter wear the dress inside out. Then I pinned out the excess fabric and serged it off using the pins as a guide.

Pinned the cut off piece to the pattern piece

Pattern Piece after it's been adjusted

and new cutting line added

Then the dress was serged together.

I used stay tape at the shoulder seams for stability.

The neckline and armholes were turned under and stitched flat.

Stitch witchery was used in the hemline.

Here she is wearing the black version made from a black ponte knit from Fabric Mart...

Subsequent versions of the dress took about 70 minutes (yes I timed it!) to make and only one yard of fabric...a perfect sew. I made five of these in one day. Three (Two from the black ponte & a black 'n white herringbone ITY) she took home and the rest she'll pick up later this week.

These two are also from a ponte from Fabric Mart

We used both sides of the fabric for two new dresses

Now I'm scouring the fabric collection to see if I can come up with five more. Two weeks worth of dresses that can be dressed up, down and around will make getting dressed in the morning so easy...especially since she's got three little kids to wake up and get ready too!I think I have another couple of weeks of unselfish sewing going on. I bought a pair of leggings for Miss Lena this weekend and I want to compare them to McCalls 6457 (sorry it's out of print) to make up some leggings for her along with a few tops.

McCalls 6457

Then I'm finally going to get back to those Deer & Doe t-shirts for my co-workers! So there's going to be a lot of sewing going on during the next couple of weeks, just not much for me.However, I am making up my fall/winter sewing list and I can tell you that there isn't much quick and easy on it. I have a lot of clothing now so I feel like I can take my time and really enjoy the sewing journey. Though I have to tell you it was awesome turning out five dresses in one day!!!...as always more later!

Three kids under five? With that figure? Wowie Zowie! I agree. 10 dresses--two weeks of work clothes, sounds about right, and if she can give herself a few minutes before bed to hang her accessories with her dress, mornings should run more smoothly. I have a Christmas tree wreath hanger over my ceiling height closet doors, where the next day's clothes hang ready and waiting. Good luck to your daughter on her new job.

A great tip from you. Pinning the cut off piece to the pattern to alter the pattern. Maybe it's just me but I hadn't thought of that! I altered pattern piece using measurements before cutting off - this is much easier and a way more accurate. Thank you.sewanneuk@blogspot.co.uk

Wow! Lucky daughter!!! She is going to look as fabulous as you do with her new work wardrobe. What a great idea to dress these up and down and make the same dress many different ways... guess she is learning from the pro!!

I selected this pattern when crafty had their kits on sale and knew it was a hit. She looks great in it and for you to turn out five in a day brings back memories of how my and my sister used to sew. My other would be one pattern and we would all use it to suit us.

KaySeptember 04, 2014 1:31 PMFantastic choice to go with sleeveless top that can be multistyled.. And I'm totally loving the stack and whack philosophy. Gorgeous daughter of a gorgeous and talented mom!

BRAVO Carolyn. You make it look so easy. I wonder if I could possibly fit this pattern. 1 Yard of fabric! That's amazing. I'm scared of dresses. I don't know why. I've only made 2. Okay I'm sold. This is going on my list of patterns to buy!!

Great minds...... :D I just made this exact dress for my daughter. She will be here tomorrow to test the fit. I figure she will want a couple other versions for the fall and winter. I agree - I love a quick sew that looks great. You gave me some good ideas - TY!

As always, a wonderful job! And it's especially touching that you would rip out an entire week's work wardrobe for your daughter in a single day. She must be quite a wonderful daughter to rate that, and you're clearly a magnificent Mom to do all that. Please share with us the brand of coffee you were drinking to get such a buzz on! [And re: that first comment, most female hairdressers that I know wear a short sleeved, hip length smock when working to protect their own clothing and to have pockets for hair clips, etc.] Creative Hormone Rush

Great dresses, I love the "stack and whack." The idea of two weeks of easy dresses is terrific, especially when you could probably then wash and hang them all at once and go another two weeks! Good job (and boyohboy, does your daughter ever look like you!) K

You're my inspiration! I love how you take a great basic pattern and make a wardrobe out of it. I have that pattern but didn't make it up over the Summer like I planned. I love all of the versions you made for your daughter.

You have really shown how much one can do with a good, basic pattern. I thought you were kidding when you said stack and whack, but what an idea!!! My husband bought a serger for me for my birthday, and I want to try it out. I am going to dig out a basic top pattern and try this stack, whack, and serge! Smiles!!

Hey, way to go. I'm in same /different boat as your dd. I need clothes in the worst possible way, except easy dresses won't do it, as I don't need to go to work. .... anyway, 5 garments in a day sounds like heaven. I'm pulling out UFO after UFO. Did I really pack up that many UFO's?Tried to call you earlier, is your phone # same? I left a vm, and if it's not your phone anymore someone is getting a bit of a bizarre message.....I should take this to email. Later, Happy to see you're still at it and blogging about it too.